What is Barium Studies?

These are studies of the gastro-intestinal performed using barium sulphate and x-rays. Barium is an inert substance that coats the internal lining of the bowel and fills up its lumen. It is radio-opaque and thus seen very well on x-rays. These studies includes the oesophagus, stomach, small bowel and large bowel, which are known as the Gastro-Intestinal system. A barium sulphate suspension (powder in water) is used to coat the inside of the area being investigated. Air or other gas is often used to expand the area under investigation to allow for more complete imaging.

Who will perform the examination?

A radiologist performs this procedure, these images will then be interpreted by a doctor, who will will then inform you of your results.

A Radiologist and a Radiographer will perform the examinations, sometimes assisted by a Registered Nurse. Special x-ray machines, called image intensifiers, which incorporate a video monitor and films are used.

What are the different Barium Studies and what should I expect?

Depending on the area being examined, we have barium swallow, meal, meal-follow-through, enema and small bowel enema. Barium swallow is a study for the esophagus, barium meal for the stomach, barium meal follow-through for the small bowel, barium enema for the large bowel and small bowel enema for the small bowel. In swallow, meal and meal-follow-through examinations, the patient has to drink barium. In barium enema examinations, barium is injected using an enema tube. In small bowel enema examinations, enteroclysis, a tube is inserted from the nose to the duodenum and barium is injected.

The preparation required varies for each test. Following these tests you are encouraged to drink extra water and eat more fibre. Those prone to constipation may require laxatives. Diabetics and epilepsy sufferers please inform staff when making your appointment.

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